Gosselin: If sitting Michael Young gives Rangers best opportunity to win a championship, ‘so be it’

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MICHAEL AINSWORTH / Staff Photographer

PHOTOS: THE BEST OF RANGERS SLUGGER MICHAEL YOUNG -- Texas Rangers first baseman Michael Young waits in the dugout for practice to start during Spring training at the Rangers training site in Surprise, AZ, on March 02, 2011.

SportsDay columnist Rick Gosselin answered reader questions during a live chat Monday. Here are some highlights:

There has been a lot of speculation by the local media the
last few weeks that if Ron Washington were to make Michael Young a part time
player that he would lose the clubhouse and the team would win less games than
they would if he kept running Young out there everyday. Is there any evidence
whatsoever that that would happen?

Rick Gosselin: I know the value of Michael Young in that clubhouse. He's a
stand up guy who holds himself and others accountable. But it's Washington's
responsibility as a manager to give the Rangers their best opportunity to win a
world championship. If it means sitting Michael Young, who has been suffering
through a season-long power outage, then so be it. These players have a respect
for Young, but they also have a burning desire to finally win a World Series.
His bat hasn't crippled the Rangers to this point. The Rangers still have the
best record in the American League with him in the lineup. And that's what Washington can point to
in his defense of Young. But as the games get bigger and the opposing pitchers
get better, Washington
will have a tough call to make. And he has to make it. He has a loyalty to his
players -- but he should have an even stronger loyalty to his bosses. The
franchise goal is to win a World Series. If Washington can improve those chances by
sitting Young, then it's a call he must make. But I don't think we're anywhere
near that point in the season -- or post-season -- yet.

Do you think the A's can catch the Rangers? They host them
at the end of the season, and I'd hate to see it come down to that.

Rick Gosselin: The Rangers have the better overall team. The better overall
team usually wins. If the pitching staff can function in September like it did
in April, the Rangers will repeat as AL West champions. If the pitching
falters, the Rangers still have a better batting order than the A's to carry
this team into October.

Do you believe that the Rangers are seeking to cut ties with
Josh Hamilton assuming he will be motivated by the highest bidder?

Rick Gosselin: I don't think the Rangers will put the highest bid on the
table this offseason for Josh. They'll make a competitive offer, but it won't
be the best offer. Then it's on Josh to make the call -- take the best money or
the best situation. The Rangers offer him the best situation -- great team and
a very livable town. Money or lifestyle?

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